Neil Patrick Harris Named Host & Producer For Primetime Emmy Awards

Neil Patrick Harris has been named host and producer of THE 65TH PRIMETIME EMMY® AWARDS, to be broadcast from NOKIA Theater L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, Sunday, September 22 on CBS. This will be the multi-talented television, film and stage actor’s second time hosting the Emmy Awards, which he emceed to critical acclaim when the program last aired on CBS in 2009. As previously announced, Ken Ehrlich will serve as Executive Producer of this year’s Emmy broadcast.

“Neil is the quintessential host – engaging, entertaining and a true showman – with a passion for celebrating the medium we all love. We’re thrilled for him to return for CBS’s broadcast of the Emmy Awards,” said Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment.

“Four years ago, Neil was an amazing Emmy host and we are excited to have him back,” said Television Academy Chairman and CEO Bruce Rosenblum. “Neil is an extremely gifted and inventive performer, and we look forward to seeing what he has in store this year.”

“I couldn't be more honored and excited to be hosting this year's Emmy Awards,” said Neil Patrick Harris. “And what perfect timing – I'll just do the exact same script I'm about to use for the Tonys. ‘And the Emmy for Best Revival of a Musical goes to ‘Breaking Bad!’ See, told you it works.”

“Neil is one of the most versatile artists currently working in television. It’s going to be great fun to utilize his acting, hosting, musical and producing talents on the Emmys, an event designed to showcase all of the elements that combine to make great television,” said Ken Ehrlich, Executive Producer of THE 65th PRIMETIME EMMY® AWARDS. “We’ve had the pleasure of working together on other award shows in the past, and to have him bring all of that versatility to this year’s Emmy telecast again is very exciting for all of us working on the production.”

Equally successful on stage and screen, Neil Patrick Harris currently stars as Barney Stinson in the hit CBS television series, “How I Met Your Mother,” a role which has garnered him multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominations. Harris is a three-time Emmy Award winner for his guest-starring role on “Glee” and as host of the 2009 and 2011 Tony Awards. His talents extend beyond being a “triple threat” performer; he has produced numerous live and televised special entertainment events. His celebrated television hosting career began with the Television Academy’s 2008 Primetime Creative Arts Emmys, and he later went onto host the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards in 2009, the 63rd, 65th and 66th Annual Tony Awards and will also host the 67th Annual Tony Awards on June 9.

From his film debut opposite Whoopi Goldberg in “Clara's Heart” and his seminal role as the beloved titular character in “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” to his roles in the “Harold & Kumar” and “The Smurfs” films, Harris has enjoyed a successful career spanning more than 25 years in the industry.

In addition to his numerous film and television credits, Harris has also enjoyed success in the theater. His many theatrical credits include the dual role of The Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald in the Tony Award-winning production of “Assassins,” as well as noteworthy performances in the Broadway productions of “Cabaret” and “Proof.” He made his musical directorial debut with a production of “Rent” at the Hollywood Bowl.

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, founded in 1946 at the birth of the medium, is a non-profit organization devoted to the advancement of telecommunication arts, sciences and creative leadership. Known for recognizing outstanding programming through its Primetime Emmy® Awards, the Television Academy also publishes the award-winning emmy magazine. Its charitable Foundation operates the Archive of American Television, College Television Awards, acclaimed student internships and other educational outreach programs. For more information on the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, its many industry-related programs and services, including year-round events, please visit www.emmys.com, follow us on Twitter @primetimeemmys and like us on Facebook Facebook.com/PrimetimeEmmys.